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The investigating censor Chen Rui, regional inspector for Guang-dong memorialized: "The Guang-dong seas are broad and the pirates frequently bring calamity. Previously, 5,000 government troops and 50 ocean-going ships were deployed to patrol the seas and arrest pirates. For over 20 years they have been floating around but have been of no benefit in providing alerts or in defence. It is requested that, as in Fu-jian, naval forts be established at the major points on the sea-route in the eight guards of Chao-zhou, Jie-shi, Shen-dian, Guang-hai, Lei-zhou, Hai-nan and Lian-zhou and that the Imperial army arrange ships, provide grain and carry out defence duties. Each fort should have one commander to superintend it and a regional commissioner should be appointed to provide overall superintendence in the defence against pirates. Also, the government troops of the various guards inland should be put in order, so that they are able to respond in emergencies." The Emperor spoke to the Minister Xu Kuo, saying: "Sometimes changes are necessary, but we must be careful. The Imperial troops have long been patrolling the seas. Now there is a desire to set up naval forts. We do not know if the results will be advantageous or not. We should order the three offices of Guang-dong and the regional inspecting censor to deliberate on the matter and advise."